[Jewelry making - Article 00309] - Re: [Orchid] Copper less sterling silver casting alloy

[Volpe, Tino]

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    Hey Tyler, Had to respond since you were kind of talking about me.
    While I do not personally make the alloy, I am the metallurgist and
    do oversee the process to some extent. I agree with your kind words
    about us. We are about workmanship and quality however we are not
    gods. Sterling silver will tarnish no matter who makes it. Different
    people will react differently to different alloys. We have had
    various customers tell us that they are sensitive to just about
    every metal found in standard jewelry alloys. One customer even told
    us they were allergic to platinum and wanted an engagement ring made
    of white gold! Go figure. Internally we use the standard plain
    vanilla sterling composition that we set the standard for many moons
    ago. We have yet to be swayed by the tarnish resisitant (don't call
    it anti tarnish cause it isn't) silvers out there. They come with
    their own set of headaches. Making alloys is always about
    compromise. You boost one property at the expense of another. Have I
    gotten off track? Sorry. Now it's time for my coffee. 


Tino Volpe
Metallurgist, Technical Manager
Tiffany & Co.
300 Maple Ridge Drive
Cumberland, RI 02864-8707
401-288-0124


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